Why The Fashion Industry Should Embrace Women With Curls

"It is so refreshing to see stylists not fight against a model's natural texture."
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When making our way backstage during New York Fashion Week, we can often count on one hand the number of models we see with curly hair. Those who do get casted for shows and presentations then have to deal with stylists who aren't trained to handle their kinkier tresses. No doubt this has played a significant role in the lack of diversity in the industry, but Texture on the Runway is one unique runway show where curls are embraced and the center of attention.

Hosted by digital hair care platform TextureMedia, the show returned to New York City on Saturday after making its debut in 2012. And it's no coincidence that this event where women proudly flaunt their curls, waves and coils took place during New York Fashion Week.

A model poses on the runway during the Texture on the Runway show on Saturday in New York City.
John Parra via Getty Images
A model poses on the runway during the Texture on the Runway show on Saturday in New York City.

Michelle Breyer, the president and co-founder of TextureMedia, told The Huffington Post that Texture on the Runway provides a counterbalance to the lack of curls at a lot of shows.

"I think it makes more of a statement to do it during a time when everyone is here and to tell the world what else is out there," she said. "I've been to a couple of shows so far and I have seen amongst the straight hair some curly styles. But overall, it still is a very monolithic kind of look."

Hairstylists representing five major brands -- Garnier, Cantu, Au Naturale by Dark and Lovely, Creme of Nature and Design Essentials -- were tasked with creating fashion-forward looks to illustrate the versatility of curly hair and the overarching message that texture transcends ethnicity. Styles included tapered Afros, loose and silky curls, braided faux hawks and voluminous twist-outs.

"It is so refreshing to see stylists not fight against a model's natural texture," Breyer said.

Models walk the runway during the Texture on the Runway show on Saturday in New York City.
John Parra via Getty Images
Models walk the runway during the Texture on the Runway show on Saturday in New York City.

We are optimistic that this celebration of curls will continue to transform what we see on the runways, as well as change cultural standards of beauty that pressure women, men and children to straighten their curly hair.

Check out the cool and creative curly hairstyles from the Texture on the Runway show below and stay tuned to HuffPost for more examples of diversity during New York Fashion Week.

John Parra via Getty Images
John Parra via Getty Images
John Parra via Getty Images
John Parra via Getty Images
John Parra via Getty Images
John Parra via Getty Images
John Parra via Getty Images
John Parra via Getty Images
John Parra via Getty Images
John Parra via Getty Images
John Parra via Getty Images
John Parra via Getty Images
John Parra via Getty Images
John Parra via Getty Images
John Parra via Getty Images
John Parra via Getty Images

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